55 Votes

Can I Drive A Mercedes Benz For The Price Of A Honda?

Agent009 submitted on 4/17/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 4:09:26 PM

110 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: www.autospies.com

As you may have read a few days ago, I compared the BMW 328i to the Camry XLE, and found under certain circumstances I could actually drive a BMW for less money than Toyota.

This time I will compare two more cars and hopefully show that you can actually drive a Premium Car for around the same price as an economy car.

This time I scanned the Web and found I can score a base C230 Sport for just $309.00 a month on a 27 month lease, now that is pretty darn cheap especially for a Mercedes Benz. This time I left Toyota out of the mix, and selected another proven value victim, the venerable Honda Accord EX-L.

Can I have a Mercedes Benz for less than a garden variety Accord?

Again a lofty target, but it was worth a shot. To make the challenge interesting I purposely chose a non hybrid model because it would unfairly stack the deck against the Accord. An Accord EX-L V6 appeared to be the closest match for the Mercedes C-230 and the lease was adjusted to the 27 month interval with a payment of $353.82.

One important note for all of the skeptics out there is that the annual mileage of the Accord can not be adjusted online from the 12,000 miles a year to match the 10,000 miles a year of the Mercedes plan. With that out of the way; there are the other factors to consider.

So out came my trusty pen and this is what I found taking a 27 month lease with $2,750 down:

Round 1: MSRP – Honda

$27,995 Accord EX-L V6
$30,425 C 230 Sport

Round 2: Fuel Cost- Honda

$2755* over 27 months with regular gas @ $3.00 a gallon avg. 24.5 mpg – Accord EX-L
$3580 over 27 months with premium gas @ $3.50 a gallon avg. 22 mpg – C 230 Sport
* Miles limited to 10,000 a year for comparison purposes. If you use the full mileage then add $606 for additional fuel.

Round 3: Insurance – Mercedes Benz

$4039 over 27 months – C 230 Sport
$4455 over 27 months – Accord EX-L V6

I checked this figure twice and found in Texas the Mercedes is cheaper to insure than the Accord.

Round 4: Maintenance - Honda

$ 1815 Over 27 months – Accord EX-L V6
$ 2367 Over 27 months – C 230 Sport

Round 5: Repairs – Mercedes Benz

$ 0 – C230
$ 140 – Over 3 years Accord EX-L V6

Round 6: Total Expenditure over 27 Months – Mercedes Benz

$21,078.55 (payments + maintenance + repairs + insurance) C 230
$21,468.24 (payments + maintenance + repairs + insurance) Accord EX-L V6

While the Accord apparently just misses the mark ($390 over 27 months), it is only because the driver did not use the additional mileage available on the lease. However there would be additional fuel consider if he did maximize the mileage.

As with my BMW vs. Camry scenario the Accord proves only to be slightly more reliable than the C 230 Sport with the rankings for Honda averaging 1.90 issues per vehicle while Mercedes came in with a 2.42 issue rate in the latest JD Power rankings. So in the worse case the Mercedes owner may visit the dealer 1 more time over the 27 month span, if that.

So in conclusion if you drive a limited number of miles (in this case 10,000 a year) you can actually drive a Mercedes for less than an Accord. At least for a short term lease the results are practically the same.

Sources:
Lease payments: www.mercedesbenz.com and www.honda.com
Round 1: MSRP: www www.mercedesbenz.com and www.honda.com
Round 2: Fuel cost calculated using EPA estimates
Round 3: Yahoo automobiles
Round 4: Yahoo automobiles
Round 5: Yahoo automobile
Round 6: Totals of round 1 through 6 plus monthly lease payment times 27 months

Can I Drive A Mercedes Benz For The Price Of A Honda?

About the Author

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
— Agent009 (View Profile)

User Comments

Yeah I would totally look into BMWs and Mercedes if I was the type person that leased. They always seem to be a slightly better deal...and hella more car than a Honda or Toyota as far as driving experience is concerned.
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:34:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

compact vs mid size
4 cy vs 6 cy
Leather vs Cloth
MT vs AT
Moonroof vs no Moonroof
Leasing a TOTL vs LOTL , LOTL always wins
— thole (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:34:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The Mercedes has Tex and a V6. The manual costs more on the LX.
— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:44:08 PM | | Votes: 1

C230 has changed engine too frequent for me to follow.
Used to be 1.8 SS

MBTex is what ? def not leather , TEX = CLOTH = LETHERETTE = INFERIOR
— thole (View Profile)

Posted on 4/20/2007 2:23:35 PM | | Votes: 3

End of Model Yr Special
I saw Accord LX for lease $199 on TV
— thecar (View Profile)

Posted on 4/20/2007 2:26:54 PM | | Votes: 1

What is honestly the point of these 009? The more sensible car buyers in the world are already aware that the 3-Series, C-Class, Camry, Accord are similar in a number aspects to begin with. We already know that the 3-Series and C-Class are ENTRY-LEVEL vehicles for prestigious luxury brands while the Camry and Accord are the BREAD AND BUTTER of their brands. The fact that leasing terms for all of these vehicles are very similar is of no great surprise in my opinion.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:35:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The point is that most consumers will never look "up scale" to save money. They simply think "I can't afford that", and they never look at all of the options.

A similar point is a friend of mine just moved to a more affluent area of town. Even with the higher house payment, by the time lower insurance and taxes and all of the other factors were considered he actually saved $200 a month to move into the better market. An unexpected boon for him.

The same applies here. Given everything is equal, I bet most people would not know they can have a Mercedes sitting in their driveway for less than a Honda.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:44:10 PM | | Votes: 4

will, i would argue most buyers have no clue these cars could be had for similar money. they associate "mercedes" with "something i could never afford".

i was suprised to see how well the numbers stack up, and i assure you, i look for any reason to justify owning something "fancy"

in fact, i think most people, if looking at lease deals in the local paper, saw ads for benz and honda side by side, wouldn't even glance at the benz ad so as not to tease themselves.

many people think the only sensible cars come from one of two japanese manufacturers. most people suck
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:57:45 PM | | Votes: 1

I think it's interesting to see that if someone went on Honda's website and wanted to compare their Accord and a C-class directly, there is no way to do it. You can only compare an Accord against the cars that Honda wants you to look at. Specifically, if you choose Mercedes, you'll find only the SLR.
— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:49:02 PM | | Votes: 2

Typically that is called research.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 8:47:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The "prestige" factor takes another hit.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:46:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

What are you talking about? As if you can't lease an IS250 for cheap, too?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:14:50 PM | | Votes: -5

Not cheaper than a Honda or Merecdes C class
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:24:27 PM | | Votes: -5

The 3 series and C class are not their entry level models.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:39:46 PM | | Votes: -5

They are in the US
— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:45:38 PM | | Votes: 1

Only the badge whores are willing to pay for what they believe is a prestige vehicle, when in fact it is as common as an Accord.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 6:02:50 PM | | Votes: -10

Don't knock sensible women that like Camrys. They know that it is just as easy to
have a BMW as a Camry or Honda.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 7:08:35 PM | | Votes: -2

Leasing does nothing to prestige factor.

People lease so they can write things off. It doesn't sacrifice any prestige or image. Welcome to the real world.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 9:59:59 PM | | Votes: -2

i'm not sure it's due to leasing though. more so a case of skewed priorities. welcome to brockton.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 5:14:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Well, I closed on our new house yesterday. It was built in August 2006. I will not disclose the exact price, but it was in excess of $1.5 million... and I am still leasing my wife's next car. It just makes sense.

Here is one picture of it that, oddly enough, is on Google:

http://wibiti.com/images/hpmain/451/142451.jpg

We are moving in a week from Saturday. I probably won't be posting much that weekend!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:11:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Don't forget that lease payments listed on the cars' websites are NOT good representation of what people can really get.
EXAMPLE: honda advetises on TV $2199 down $199+tax for 4 door accord LX 4-cylinder
I leased this for a friend for $2000 down $139+tax same lease term.

So to really compare you have to look at the lease payments people really get and not the ones on the websites.

my 2 cents
— SVXXX (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:49:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

There's also the fact that the W203 C-Class is being shown the door at this very moment... and there are lease deals all over. Don't be surprised if you could get a C for even cheaper than what 009 found.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:16:16 PM | | Votes: 1

In these two cases the Germans may be cheaper to lease than the Japanese models, but if you choose to buy your cars and want to keep your MBenz or BMW past the extended warranty, take it from my experience, you are playing financial Russian roulette.
— BMW995 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:54:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

good point BMW995
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 4:55:25 PM | | Votes: -3

I agree as well in terms of cost, so just lease!!! Besides anytime a person pays off their car it is at least 4 to 5 years old and usually get the fever for a new one and spend more buying another new car... Lease!!
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:59:04 PM | | Votes: 0

Side note: I'd take the CURRENT Accord over the W203 C-Class in a heartbeat! The W204 is completely different story, although I doubt a Honda Accord-comparable lease deal will be had for such a new vehicle.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:20:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Well you go ahead and take that Honda Accord...it is up for a new model next year as well... LOL! So comparing apples to oranges doesn't help. This Accord model is no spring chicken and I asked people at my work which would they take for those prices...All of em said the Mercedes... hands down.
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:57:26 PM | | Votes: -3

I know that atomicbri. It still doesn't change my opinion that the Accord is a better car all around. The Accord even looks more modern than the W203 from my perspective.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 9:59:13 PM | | Votes: -4

Will, honestly, I don't believe you. I believe you're saying that because of your despising of Mercedes, because they are able to charge more than Audi, Lexus etc. for their cars.

The C is underrated. Post-facelift, especially the C350, it's a great car. Accord is so different, and so bland in comparison. I love Honda, but when you put a Honda next to a Merc, everything changes...
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 12:16:03 AM | | Votes: -2

The Accord is extremely more modern-looking than the C-Class, regardless of your own personal thoughts. The C-Class is yet another bubbly '90s design. The Accord at least has some modern angles to it. Not to mention the impressive LED taillights on the Accord.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 2:31:18 PM | | Votes: 4

Subjective?
— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 2:45:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

yup, the recent w203's are pretty nice, i think. i like the accord, but would castrate myself before driving fwd. i wanted to punch myself in the mouth when i had fwd in a rental for a week.

but i'm interested to see if these lease rates stay when the new c- class arrives
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 5:21:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I'll say it again... I love Honda.

But the Accord is utterly derivative. I like the LED taillamps, too, but the car is aging. I'm not saying the C isn't- but somehow it looks fresher now than it did three years ago.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:13:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

This is for Will. WHY ARE THE REPLY BUTTONS SO FU¢KED UP? All the time this happens...
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:14:16 PM | | Votes: 2

Agent009, I hope you're not convinced of your calculation, are you?
Event worse, I hope no one will be fooled by your research.
If leasing a more expensive car cost LESS than a less expensive one, those people leasing need to know that that's just a way to get people into leasing the more expensive car, once they do, they're really not paying less at the end of the day, because at the end you'll still have to pay, Original price + Interest.

I find this research of yours Agent009, a bit devious. Were you a car salesman at one point in life? lol
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:26:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Dude you have never leased have you.... you don't pay interest at the end of a lease if you decide to buy it! LOL! You pay the projected residual value the car has. And sometimes if their projected value is less than what they originally had, you can offer a deal to them cause the car more than likely when end up going to an auction anyhow. It is cheaper to lease the more expensive car because at the end of the day the Mercedes value is higher than the Honda and basically you are paying on the amount that car's value will drop in that leased time period. Go to a site and check it out. Sometimes leases are cheaper at 39 months than 24 or 48 because of the drop in the value of the car (Like when it will fall to a new model year, etc.) My mother leased a while back an Audi A4 and it was cheaper than my brother's Civic Si lease cause the Si's value dropped more than the Audi in the same time period.
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 5:54:11 PM | | Votes: -1

I'd just like to emphasize this bit, because it's very important and most people don't realize it:

It is cheaper to lease the more expensive car because at the end of the day the Mercedes value is higher than the Honda
— Agent004 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 10:11:07 PM | | Votes: -5

Designer - Never been a salesman persay, but I always have been somewhat frugal. So I tend to look at options that others may not consider. I guess for me at least, I have to look outside the box to see everything.

We actually both lease and own cars, it make sense to our needs.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 11:34:46 PM | | Votes: -1

Actually LexusAdmirer, Edmunds.com says their top 10 over all are as follows:

Here are the top 10 from Edmunds with the percentage of retained value:
Lexus LS450 55 percent
BMW 3 series 54 percent
Mercedes Benz C class 54 percent
Mini Cooper 53 percent
Porsche 911 53 percent
Porsche Boxster 53 percent
Lexus SC430 52 percent
Acura TL 52 percent
Honda S2000 52 percent
Lexus GS300 52 percent

The Honda Accord was further down at 51 percent, which is still EXCELLENT....the point is for around the same money, if you do your homework, you can drive a luxury car instead of a mass produced family car. The Accord is a great car for everyday point A to point B. The site you referred to shows Mercedes lower in the Luxury Class, that does not mean it was lower than Honda who scored better in the Industry Brand Catergory. Unfortunately you have to be a member of ALG to see the actual percentages and since ALG and Edmunds teamed up last year, you can now catch a glimpse of market residual percentages at edmunds.com without paying the $144 to join ALG.
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 8:18:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

The actual end value is not a factor. The estimated value or residual is the key.

I could care less if the Honda is worth $3000 more in the end on the open market. I am not selling it, I am turning it in. If it is worth more to the dealer at the end of the term then so be it.

The main reason I used a lease was to avoid the resale or trade in value.

For example a 2002 Prius with 50,000 miles trade in value should be $11675.

In California that really might be as high as $13,500
In Michigan it might only be $9,500

The lease will typically factor that in, but it does nullify arguments as to what the free market dictates for resale.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 8:53:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I agree, obviously there are many people on here who do not know about leasing! My family has done it for years since my mother always had 2 cars, one for her real estate business to us for business an da write off and other was leased since she did not drive it often and would end up with like 5000 miles in 5 years. There are many advantages to leasing if you love to get a new car every 3-5 years. Basically it comes down to this, if you do your homework and shop around, you could end up driving a car from a luxury brand instead of your everyday brand. And if you are the type that enjoys luxury brands and all, leasing is a great way to get that type of car. Leasing a lot of times is not too smart on mass brands (I saw a Sebring convertible for $499 per month!!! LOL! I think not!)
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 8:57:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

New model is out, this in effect makes the prices for the W203 cheaper, including leasing.
— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 6:19:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Please note the reliability: "the Accord proves only to be slightly more reliable than the C 230 Sport with the rankings for Honda averaging 1.90 issues per vehicle while Mercedes came in with a 2.42 issue rate".

Why is it that some people make out that German cars fall apart all the time? Every 2 years you'll have 1 more issue! That's nothing!
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 7:02:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Add the C class was not famed for its reliability!
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 7:03:02 PM | | Votes: -2

Actually Rupert, the reliability factor given is typically over three years so I generalized as a worst case. But the reliability factor does not factor in several key issues, such as were all issues serviced in a single visit to dealership. So was it serviced on a single visit or over 3 visits.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 9:14:22 AM | | Votes: 1

My point is that the difference between the Honda and Mercedes was not great, given the vastly different perceptions people have of the brands' reliability.
With the issue rate, is that over a 3 year period then? So you have like an issue per year with the Merc?
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:10:33 AM | | Votes: 1

You are correct. But we have a vocal few that say they love their dealership, but appear to be terrified to take the car in for a slight issue.

There is a certain fear factor of the potential repair. But remember the Vehicle Dependability Survey that many quote as their bible, does not weigh the severity of any issue. Whether it be a wiper blade replacement or a transmission failure, there are all the same. A tremendous disservice to the consumer IMHO.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 9:20:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I bought my wife a 07'C230 sport i don't lease but that is besides the point, the machine is a very sweet car. 7 speed auto, nice AMG body works and same dual exhausts. Birds eye maple is standard and nice 17" tires and i only paid for one extra the swap to chrome rims $900. Overall a xlnt deal from the Benz dealer and more then enough power for the wife to look good going to and from the market and that never endng shopping they do. Good take 009, a auto blog should make these food for thoughts takes again very good.
— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 7:10:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I think I have seen some 199 leases on the Accord or maybe Camry.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 8:28:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Can you also check and see if I can drive a Maybach for the price of an S-Class?

Many thanks. :)
— weaponX (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 8:53:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Agent 009, thanks a lot once again for your analysis.
Very informative indeed.
— AdmiralT20 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 10:43:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

These two cars are basically the same, but with the C230, you're buying the Mercedes name, which costs more than Honda's. But think about it. Does the C230 really have any more notable and/or important standard features than the Accord? No, not really.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 10:46:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Remember, the post-facelift C is UNDERRATED! Before the facelift, it was a POS, yes. But it's really a great car now, and offers an owners' experience that the Accord just can't match. It drives better, looks better, is more luxurious, gets the neighbors jealous and zests your life up a bit. All you have to pay with is that your car has one more issue every two years, as Rupert said. Considering most leases are only three years and that the C is cheaper to lease than the Accord, that's not much of a price to pay.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 12:21:02 AM | | Votes: -2

That's true, but you also have to take into consideration the sizes of the cars as well. In my opinion, the Accord and C230 shouldn't even be compared, but since they are, why not compare the Accord with an E-Class or the C230 with a Civic or something. They should be at least similar in size. If I'm right, the C-Class is a compact car and the Accord is a mid-sized. I guess it all doesn't really matter because most buyers who read this won't be interested in the size of the car anyway.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 12:30:37 AM | | Votes: 1

I am afraid you are totally missing the point.
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 8:20:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I agree.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:08:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Anyone have any experience of returning a lease from MB or Honda? I bet at lease end Mercedes will be more picky and charge for the stupidest things, basically because it is more of a premium car. I would definitely take the Benz tho. I just wish my current lease was up a few months ago when they were giving away e350's for real cheap, like 5 bills a month.
— bigTYME (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 11:22:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

On the Honda's we have just traded out about 60 days before the lease is up.

That way we don't have to worry about the little things some companies try to nail you for like excessive wear on the the tires and such. At that point in the lease the amount we owe is minimal, and they can make the numbers break even on the trade out.

Plus as a rule we NEVER pay anything down on the lease car, only the first payment. For the Honda's we can be in and out of the dealership in under an hour with a new car. All prices are agreed upon via the internet sales office before we step foot in the dealership. It simply makes it a good use of time and less of a hassle.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 11:42:56 PM | | Votes: -1

I haven't leased in seven years, but I'll probably end up leasing my wife's next car, because, well, it's cheaper, it's going to be the most expensive car we've ever had and she doesn't drive as much as I do. Right now, it's down to A8L and S550 4Matic... but it's probably going to be the S. I was a bit surprised to learn that the $97,000 Mercedes is actually CHEAPER to lease than the $83,000 Audi... but now it makes sense: the S will have about 10% better resale at the end of the four-year lease, and factoring that the car is more expensive to begin with, it's an attractive deal. I've gotten from $750-850 for leasing an S, and $850-950 for the A8L. Leasing the S550 4Matic is cheaper than buying an E350 4Matic!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 12:25:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I forgot to add, those are monthly rates.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 12:26:32 AM | | Votes: -1

Those are pretty good lease deals for the S550 4Matic. Do you mind sharing what dealership in in which city.
Thanks
— haigaz3 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 2:49:52 AM | | Votes: 1

that's a stupidly good lease deal. In england leasing an S550 is like 2500 dollars per month, they lose value so quickly.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 8:28:47 AM | | Votes: 2

Autohaus on Edens, in Glencoe, IL.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:01:40 PM | | Votes: 1

Thanks again!!!
— haigaz3 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 3:13:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

No problem. I'm guessing you don't live anywhere near Glencoe? It's a suburb of Chicago, on the North Shore.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 10:32:04 PM | | Votes: 1

Why would anyone lease a Honda or Toyota.
— monkeyrun (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 12:28:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I'm not surprised at all that you can drive a C230 for comparable costs of a Accord XLV6. Furthermore, I don't think many people that purchase the top-of-the line Accord would be surprised. The fact is, the majority of people aren't persuaded by the MB name as many members of this site may believe.

Why would you buy the bottom of the line MB for three thousand more than it would cost you to get the top Accord. The Accord gives you more hp, interior space, reliability, and you don't feel dumb after the fact for purchasing a "baby benz."

The C230 is like a mobile home with marble counter-tops, 2-3 fire places, etc.

My advice: Save your money unless you can afford a C350 or better.

Someone posted that a "C230 would make your neighbors jealous." Really? Its a C230.
— Jay7 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 2:48:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Why would you insult someone's car choice so blatantly? The C230 V6 is a fine car. HUGELY underrated. My niece has a black one- very sharp.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:04:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Some vehicles are actually like that. I would say the A4 2.0T FSI and A3 2.0T FSI have more "character" than their A4 3.2 FSI/A3 3.2 counterparts. It's all about the engine. The C350's engine, while strong, smooth and linear, probably isn't quite as much fun as the C230's bubbly six.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 10:33:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It is not underpowered, it doesn't go 0-60mph in less than 6 seconds, but is plenty fast.
— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 1:03:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Not underpowered. Right up there with 328i, A4 2.0T, etc... those cars are hardly slow, even if the numbers say so- they're perfectly adequate for an "entrly-level enthusiast's" car.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:05:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

$1815 in maintenance costs over 27 months for the Honda??? Where the hell did that figure come from?
— sold2early (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 7:41:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

It came from the service depts pricing for scheduled maintenace. Hondas are not cheap to service, trust me, my brother has a Civic Si and it was $800 for the 30,000 Full service
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 8:23:26 AM | | Votes: 2

In this example, it's a 12000 mile/year lease for 27 months. The 30000 mile service wouldn't come into play. What other maintenance would cost so much?
— sold2early (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 10:25:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Oh, formula1, shut up please.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 11:06:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Nice house man!! :)
— valentino (View Profile)

Posted on 4/20/2007 4:31:21 PM | | Votes: 1

Mercedes C classes look as cheap as Hondas. I don't know why any of this is a surprise.
— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 12:19:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Lexusadmirer,..... that is the funniest login I've seen. Great job.
— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 12:21:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

leasing = renting. Who cares what you are renting since you don't OWN it?
— ctsang (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 3:32:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

what does owning have to do with driving.
Next year Im starting my first lease as Ive been buying BMWs but with their lease programs its much smarter to lease.

Unless your grandfather works in Leipzieg and you consider your car like a cabin you grandfather built with his bare hands
— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 5:13:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

we buy cars with cash and we don't drive them either; someone drives and we sit in the back.
— ctsang (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 5:55:57 PM | | Votes: 1

...and for all of that no finishing school. Shame really.

Despite that,I acutally have to say that in my family I've always been told if you can't buy it outright, you cannot afford it. I addition, there is this conception that owning is ideal. So, whatever marginal savings comes from leasing as opposed to purchasing if offset by the act of possession in a legal sense.

A car is not an investment, unless of course, you have an 80-year-old Deusenberg sitting untouched in your garage. From that point of view I suppose it makes sense to lease as opposed to have a car payment. Otherwise I see no need. I can guarantee that nobody in my family has a car payment: my parents would simply not allow it to happen.

I would never lease, I am simply not comfortable with it.
— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 6:37:09 PM | | Votes: 3

Why i don't understand is why someone would want to drive a C class
— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/18/2007 9:22:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I really don't
— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 12:57:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I used to own accord and it was not the pinnacle of reliability that it is proclaimed to be. I had numerous problems with the transmission and engine. I had the transmission repaired twice and a complete replacement twice. After looking at the camry and other cars I noticed that the price differential between the C-class and the other cars was not that different we the other cars are fully loaded. I now own a C-class and have less problems with it than my accord. In fact I have yet to have a problem with my C-class at 60K, even though I was anticipating some problems. The one difference I noticed between the C-class and the accord is that the C-class is a whole lot better on many levels. The engine is way more refined as is the transmission. The handling in the C-class is fathoms better than the accord. Cornering in the accord really presented itself as a nose heavy car when the accord was equipped with a V6. With my experience I dont't see why anyone would buy a loaded accord or camry if you could buy a BMW or Benz for roughly the same price. In due respect there may be some features on the loaded accord or camry that might be missing in the BMW or Benz. But in the Benz and BMW you get a car with underpinning that are noticeably better and making the purchase worthwhile.
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 9:40:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I hate to say it, but we own several Honda's and they are fine for the first few years. So we typically don't ever lease them for longer than the warranty for that very reason.

The biggest thing is that we typically have a 5 or 6 item list on them when they are delivered to us. The dealer provides a loaner so it is not that big of an issue over all.

Our previous Toyota's and Lexus have had similar delivery issues in the first 90 days. Maybe we are a bit picky.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 3:08:39 PM | | Votes: 0

I think it's not fair to compare the C to the Accord,
MB is just prestige,Accord is mechanically more advanced than the old sleeping cat,i rather compare the Accord with bm 3 serie.Leasing,i'll take BM,MB over Toyota and Honda but bying i stick with HHHHonda
— wanga (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 9:09:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Agent009, are you sure you're MB lease numbers are correct? BMW and Mercedes are notorious for offering a great lease on stripped models (no power seats, no auto trans, no sunroof, etc) that aren't even available - they have to be ordered....while the Acoord EX-L is a pretty much fully loaded. Or is this what you are trying to show -- a totally stripped MB can be leased for less a fully loaded Honda?
— bagwell (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 10:38:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

sorry for the typos and punctuation errors....I know its not "you're" in the first sentence and the last sentence should read for less THAN a fully loaded Honda....its late and I'm tired.
— bagwell (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 10:53:41 PM | | Votes: 0

Incorrect bulldogz. Most wealty consumers understand the benefits of a lease. Why would you invest your money in a depreciating asset like a vehicle. The extra money that is saved in a lease over a finance payment can be utilized in an asset that will make you money like houses,property,stocks....etc. Most luxury car purchasers only keep their vehicle for a 3 to 4 year term while the vehicle is under warranty. So as opposed to paying 60k cash for a new E class for example why not write a single pay lease check for $35000. This free's up $25,000 to make money on in a stock or bond account with a great annual return. People that do not understand and utlilze a lease are throwing their money away.
— mbz350 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/20/2007 12:23:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Can I Drive A Mercedes Benz For The Price Of A Honda?

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